Systems Engineering SME

Think Consulting; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Think Consulting in Washington, DC seeks a highly experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) Systems Engineer to provide strategic technical leadership across enterprise systems, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging technology initiatives within a federal environment.

The role requires hands-on expertise in systems, network, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture, with focus on modernization, post-quantum cryptography, AI/analytics, and secure communications.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance required.
• Experience leading enterprise systems, network, and cybersecurity initiatives in secure environments.
• Knowledge of RMF, system authorization, and secure engineering methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical leadership for enterprise systems, network, and cybersecurity initiatives.
• Establish roadmaps, architecture standards, and modernization strategies aligned with mission objectives.
• Design and integrate secure, scalable IT systems across multiple security domains.
• Lead post-quantum cryptography migration and risk assessments.
• Evaluate AI/ML, automation, and analytics to improve cyber defense and performance.
• Mentor engineers across multiple disciplines and support RMF activities.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Network Engineering

Cybersecurity Engineering

Enterprise Architecture

RMF / Security Authorization

Cloud / AI integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/IT/Cybersecurity

Master's degree preferred

Job description

On-site M-F in Washington, DC Reqires Active TS/SCI Clearance Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) Systems Engineer to provide strategic technical leadership across enterprise systems, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging technology initiatives supporting a complex federal environment. This role will play a critical part in shaping technology strategy, modernizing enterprise architecture, and ensuring the security, resiliency, and scalability of mission-critical communications and IT systems.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on expertise in multiple engineering disciplines, including systems engineering, network engineering, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and advanced cryptographic solutions. This individual will work directly with senior leadership, architects, engineers, and program stakeholders to drive innovation while maintaining compliance with security and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical leadership for enterprise systems, network, and cybersecurity engineering initiatives.
• Establish technical roadmaps, architecture standards, engineering baselines, and modernization strategies aligned with mission objectives.
• Lead the design and integration of secure, resilient, and scalable IT systems operating across multiple security domains and environments.
• Develop enterprise architecture solutions that support modernization, operational continuity, cybersecurity, and future mission growth.
• Design and implement secure communications and infrastructure solutions leveraging industry and government security best practices.
• Lead planning and implementation efforts related to post-quantum cryptography migration, including cryptographic inventories, risk assessments, technology evaluations, and transition strategies.
• Evaluate and integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics capabilities that improve operational efficiency, cyber defense, system performance, and decision support.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate technical debt and implement modern engineering practices that improve security, reliability, and maintainability.
• Provide technical guidance on cybersecurity architecture, defensive cyber operations, and enterprise risk mitigation.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to senior leadership, presenting architectural options, technical risks, recommendations, and investment priorities.
• Review engineering designs, technical documentation, accreditation packages, and implementation plans to ensure quality, compliance, and mission alignment.
• Mentor senior, mid-level, and junior engineers across multiple disciplines and technology domains.
• Support Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, cybersecurity assessments, and system authorization efforts.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, security, cloud, application, and data teams to ensure integrated enterprise solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in systems engineering, network engineering, cybersecurity engineering, enterprise architecture, or related technical leadership roles.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least three of the following areas:
  • Systems Engineering
  • Network Engineering
  • Cybersecurity Engineering
  • Enterprise Architecture
• Recent hands-on experience in two or more of the following:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Machine Learning (ML)
  • Enterprise Data Analytics
  • Advanced Cryptography
  • Secure Communications Architecture
  • Zero Trust Architecture
  • Cross-Domain Solutions
• Experience engineering solutions within highly secure, classified, or regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise security architecture, cybersecurity compliance requirements, and secure systems engineering methodologies.
• Experience supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) and system authorization processes.
• DoD 8140 qualification aligned to Enterprise Architect, Security Architect, or equivalent advanced cyber workforce role.
• CISSP with ISSAP, ISSEP, or equivalent advanced cybersecurity certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive, operational, and engineering audiences.
• INCOSE Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP).
• Cisco certifications such as:
  • CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
  • CCIE Security
  • CCNP Security
• Advanced cloud certifications:
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
  • Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  • ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Experience designing secure enterprise architectures for classified or sensitive operational environments.
• Experience implementing advanced cryptography, Zero Trust architectures, secure mobility, or cross-domain solutions.
• Familiarity with enterprise AI and advanced analytics platforms supporting operational decision-making.
• Prior experience supporting communications, cybersecurity, defense, intelligence, or other mission-critical environments.
• Prior military service in communications, cyber operations, engineering, or information technology career fields.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status